Helichrysum

The genus Helichrysum consists of an estimated 600 species, in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The type species is Helichrysum orientale.

The name is derived from the Greek words helisso (to turn around) and chrysos (gold). Common names include strawflower and everlasting.

It occurs in Africa (with 244 species in South Africa), Madagascar, Australasia and Eurasia. The plants may be annuals, herbaceous perennials or shrubs, growing to a height of 60-90 cm.

Their leaves are oblong to lanceolate. They are flat and pubescent on both sides. The bristles of the pappus are scabrous, barbellate, or plumose.

The receptacle (base of the flower head) is often smooth, with a fringed margin, or honey-combed, and resemble daisies. They may be in almost all colors, except blue. There are many capitula and generally flat-topped corymbs or panicles. The corolla lobes show glandular hairs at the abaxial surface.

Several species are grown as ornamental plants, and for dried flowers. When cut young and dried, the open flowers and stalks preserve their colour and shape for long periods.



Some Species
Helichrysum arenarium is also known as dwarf everlast. It grows to be an average of 0.3 m tall. An infusion of the bright yellow flowers is used in the treatment of gall bladder disorders and as a diuretic in treating rheumatism and cystitis. It is a component in zahraa, an herbal tea used for medicinal purposes in Syria.

Xerochrysum bracteatum (Golden Everlasting) is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Australia.

Ozothamnus diosmifolius, or Rice Flower, is an erect shrub to 2 metres high which is native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. Other common names for this species include White Dogwood, Pill Flower and Sago Bush.

Helichrysum italicum is a flowering plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60cm or more in height. The clusters of yellow flowers are produced in Summer, they retain their colour after picking and are used in dried flower arrangements. The plant produces an oil from its blossoms which is used for medicinal purposes. It is anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, and astringent. It soothes burns and raw chapped skin. It is used as a fixative in perfumes, and has an intense fragrance.

Helichrysum petiolare, known as Impepho or Imphepho when dried, is a plant in the genus Helichrysum. It is burnt like an incense by traditional healers in Africa and can be good at clearing the nose. It has a very clinging smoke, unlike incense the smell will cling to cloth for a few days or weeks. It does have a very calming effect and can be used for meditation.

Helichrysum sanguineum - The red everlasting is a flowering plant of the genus Helichrysum in the daisy family. It is a protected plant in some jurisdictions (in particular, Israel and the Palestinian Authority). It is a symbol for the Israeli Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for the Israeli Fallen Soldiers and the Victims of Terrorism) and is worn on ceremonies on the white shirt.

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